President Asif Ali Zardari PHOTO: AFP
The achilles heel of two previous prime ministers – the Swiss cases against President Asif Ali Zardari - have finally been closed.
In a letter written in response to the government’s request to reopen the controversial cases, Swiss authorities have conveyed to the government that cases against the president have been closed on technical grounds, as they have become time barred.
After months of wrangling and the dismissal of a prime minister, the previous government had earlier written to the Swiss authorities to reopen the cases involving billions of rupees in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court.
A press release issued by the law ministry stated that Pakistan’s Ambassador to Switzerland had forwarded a letter containing the decision of the Attorney General of Geneva, wherein it states that “Public Ministry of Geneva has decided not to review the closure order dated 25th August 2008 on the ground that the statutory limitation period has expired; no new evidence has been revealed; and the Republic of Pakistan is demanding resumption of the criminal procedure while maintaining that such resumption could not take place”
The time debarment occurred due to the previous Government’s failure in writing to Swiss authorities in a timely manner despite repeated directions by the apex court during last five years.
Aware of the time sensitivity of the matter, the apex court had disqualified a sitting prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani on contempt of court for disobeying its orders to write a letter seeking reopening of the cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19th, 2013.
COMMENTS (27)
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It is a case of transferring billions of US Dollars with master mind and get the investigations delayed upto such a limit where it becomes technically non-possible for the concerned Ministry of Geneva to re-open the cases.
Stealing a diamond from non-visible rays is also an art, which every body cannot do it.
Bravo on winning the jackpot.
" "Democracy" is the Best Revenge."
Delaying tactics were adopted with understanding, wittily and successfully by all for mutual interests.
Now i have got it that why our treasury is empty.
sad sad day for pakistan
Allaaaa Di... Thank Chief Justice for wasting nations's hope, money and time.
What is the final result of your suo motooos.
And the deal has been compeleted between nawaz and zardari
Congratulations, ET :->
But the cases that are going to be opened at the Hereafter will not be time barred.
Congratulations Mr. President ... We Love you
Yeh Cheese- Justice served... Cold!
............but does that make him innocent ??
Will Iftakhar Ch. apologize to this nation & #PPP for wasting our 5 critical years and for keeping govt busy in non-issues like swiss cases?
Zardari the Master. One can learn a lot from him. I nominate him as President for life. :)
The picture fits this news item perfectly. Dark, subtle.
:) so much for the nro and the 'drama'cratic 5 years dragged to this point!!
good going, so far the money is yours, a doublle thumbs up!!
The West knows how to reward their workers.
We always knew the outcome didnt we? Amazing how people waste time on useless stuff.
Very well done Zardari and congratulations on your this success because by adopting the preplanned and intentional conspiracies,lame excuses and pretenses the cases' reopening time has been delayed and ended.Now enjoy real immunity even after completion of your presidency's tenure and enjoy your life on nation's money......
Zardari 1, Pakistan and its People 0. When Dictators issue NRO's and compromise for their personal interest, this is the result.
The nation is not surprised because, when sky lining in favor of the President against the Supreme Court, our government ministries knew very well that loyalty to the state remains unfunded. Very conveniently, 'honesty' and 'truthfulness' in administering the country are swept under the rug and remain there. Two Prime Ministers sacrificed the last iota of honor left in their personages to support the party chief. The country can go f--- itself. If this is the attitude to foment disregard to the law, then what has happened to article six of the Constitution? Why do we not have an amendment to define and elucidate 'Economic Crimes?' Maybe, the word 'erudition' is too high for the incumbent Senators, MNAs, and MPAs and prefer usage of 'eradication' (of national wealth). There is no hope for accountability in this country, ever. The grid of corruption is too deeply intermeshed and profound. The country will continue to flounder about in deep confusion. Salams
I think the opposition didn't play it's role then and now in order to get their share of sympathy they waisted more money of taxpayers for this play. Everyone knew the timeline and the Swiss laws, and above all the opposition had 5 long years, even though that was executive's domain but the opposition is always responsible for keeping an eye on these things. Were they expecting from the ruling party to crucify their own president!
Who to blame? We chose PPP earlier so it is our fault. Time to bin the past and start worrying about future so such things should not repeat.
Now what is the use of keeping the previous government under pressure throughout its tenure. There were thousands of cases which were closed under defunct NRO, but we see no or very little progress in those cases, mostly lying with our courts. Why higher courts are not taking actions on these cases?. Moreover recently a newly elected MNA from Khairpur has been declared abconder, but no sincere effort has been made by the police to arrest him, nor the higher courts took notice of this case. Why? Because it is not highlighted in media as the Shahzeb case was highlighted.
So much creativity and hoopla by the SC with no results as most legal experts particularly Swiss had already said. Ignoring all the old cases and appeals including murders this was a true exercise in futility.
It is good sign for the democratic process of Pakistan. Congratulations to President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari